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💎The Jewels 💎

Anastasia Contour Kit

Hello, Gorgeous!

I was slightly heartbroken when I wanted to swatch this palette at Sephora and a sales associate told me that I was too late, that they were gone forever. Perhaps she was misinformed (or maybe I misunderstood her) when she said that is was a limited edition item and that no more were available. I don’t know but I had no problem ordering it from the Anastasia Beverly Hills website (with free shipping, no less!). As you can see from the pic, there are 3 matte contour shades 2 matte highlight shades and 1shimmery highlight. I use all of them but the contour shade, Java, on the bottom left is my favorite. The shimmer shade, Sand, top right, is really nice too. Even though it is richly pigmented the sparkle is super fine, almost pearlescent. No big chunks of glitter, here. Its consistency is comparable to the Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer but without the yellow undertone. I love using this kit to beat my face; it is so good. I find myself using it even on [so-called] light make-up days.

Bite Beauty Luminous Créme Lipstick Duo in Musk and Lychee

…meanwhile back at Sephora… On that same shopping trip mentioned above, I stumble across this double-ended Bite sample size product. After a little swatchy-swatchy, I’m intrigued. I don’t own any shades quite like Musk but I’m not quite convinced. As my friend and I bounce around from Tarte to Kat Von D to Urban Decay (and all the while she’s encouraging me to go for it) I am falling in love! My lips feel like Kylie Jenner when I wear this lippie. ***don’t judge me, that girl has mad lip game***

Musk is a fab pinky-brown-mauve.

Lychee is a super neutral “your-lips-but-better” pink.

Not only are they free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates but they have wrinkle-fighting properties to prevent and reduce fine lines. And creamy? You bet your life, it’s creamy!

L’Oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

I am pretty hard to please when it comes to mascara. I need volume, lengthening, thickening, and a big ‘ole brush to deliver the formula. Miss Manga meets these requirements. I was skeptical, as I always am of trendy mascara, but I am feeling this one. The cone shaped wand works well for hitting those tiny inner lashes and I can build up the product with several coats before it gets too clumpy. The formula is on the dry side, my preference, so keep that in mind if like a wet mascara formula.

The Simpson’s Tapped Out

here’s part of my tiny little town, so far

I have never been much of a gamer, aside from Candy Crush, Sudoku, and the occasional game of Tetris, I just don’t play games. Enter the Simpson’s game. I don’t know what it is about this silly game but I am IN! The gist is you are rebuilding virtual Springfield after the town gets destroyed. You gradually accrue characters and build houses, roads, the Kwik-I-Mart, etc. The characters do different tasks to earn money towards new decorations buildings and to level up. I guess this game is similar to the Sims but I never played that so I wouldn’t know. It’s free to download and there is a big online community so you can find people to be neighbors with and there are even a few cheats and Easter eggs out there. For example, a onetime gift of a statue and 10 doughnuts is unlocked when you open Homer’s task list and quickly click on him 10 times. ***this totally works!***

Gran Gala

This Triple Orange Liqueur is similar to Grand Marnier but it is cheaper. I use mine to make sangria and cosmos but triple sec is extra handy you can use it to make margaritas and several other kinds of cocktails and martinis. A person with a more sophisticated palette than I have might say that Grand Marnier is sweeter, and thus Gran Gala more bitter (I’m sorry but I refuse to say “bitterer”). However, I wouldn’t drink any kind of triple sec straight and you can’t tell when it is mixed in a cocktail, so… big deal! Since I only use a splash of Grand Gala per drink this bottle will last a long time but I will definitely repurchase when the time comes.

Torrid Gold Chain Necklace

I always seem to miss out on redeeming my Torrid Haute Cash and my coupons expire (if you’re a Torrid shopper, you know what I’m talking about) but I happened to be at the mall during redemption time in July. I picked up a few things, among which was this piece of jewelry. It was meant to be! I have wanted a chunky gold chain necklace for what feels like a long time and now I have one 😄🏬😍 I like to pair it with a messy bun or a high pony and a vibrant lip color like hot pink or radiant orchid. Too cool for school!

Speaking of school, my next favorite of July has been:

Watching BTS videos on Youtube

Be it school supply hauls, organization tips, or locker décor DIYs, I have been all about some back to school vlogs and blogs. Okay, I know I’m in college, not grade school, I don’t have a locker, and I never even used them when I was actually in high school but I can’t get enough! Even when I was out of school I loved this time of year. To me, school supplies are some of the most delightful and simple pleasures in life and I am not ashamed to indulge myself.

***hit the like button or let me know if you’d like me to post about how I get organized for college***

The Here and Now by Ann Brashares

After waiting on my local library’s hold list for about 2 months my turn to borrow the ebook version finally came. Ann Brashares is best known for writing the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series but I didn’t know that until after I finished The Here and Now. Without giving too much away, I really enjoyed this book. It has everything, time travel, murder, star-crossed love. This book is probably intended for young adults but that just makes it an easy read. If I can be considered one, adults will enjoy this book as a well-developed and satisfying quickie.

🚫 The Junk 🚽

Kim Kardashian: Hollywood

As you know from reading about my new obsession with Tapped Out, I have branched out and tried a new game. I also tried this new app. And it sucks. I’ve heard how Kim K’s new game is raking in the big bucks and that is disappointing because of how lame this game actually is. Once you create an avatar you send your character around Hollywood and Beverly hills doing photoshoots and rubbing virtual elbows, the mission is to reach A-list status. The biggest problem with this game (despite the vapidity, which I could overlook, it is just a game) is that to play the game for any significant length of time requires spending actual dollars. I declare bologna! Real bills for virtual fame and celebrity? You’ve got to be joking. Not this B. But no shade, Kim. I heard you’re making beaucoup bucks on this app. You’re no dummy.

Herbal Essences Naked Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

Yes, I was suckered in by the promise of a cheap shampoo that is paraben-free and dye-free. I also feel like my hair isn’t shiny enough (this notion can surely be blamed on advertising and the media but it is present in my brain). I gave this system a couple of tried but I did not enjoy. Not only did I not see any change in shine but my hair felt damaged and dry after each use. So, thanks but no thanks, H.E. I’ll be switching back to…. ANY other ‘poo.

Not that you asked but…

Georgia weather is crazy. This afternoon, when the sirens went off and my phone chirped to alert me of a Tornado warning, I grabbed the only cat I could wrangle and, much to Sampson’s irritation, hid in the laundry room for 15 minutes.

My birthday is in less 4 weeks. I think I might want to have an adult slumber party, complete with cocktails, nail polish, face masks, and cupcakes. Several of my friends already have other plans which is a bummer but you only turn 26 once and time and tide wait for no man so why should I?

I have been chewing this gum since I started writing this post and it has long since lost its flavor. YUM!

I woke up early this morning (8am). I enjoy starting my day before noon but I can’t seem to live like that on the regular.

Thanks for reading!

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